Abstract
The scope of the work covers the development of the relationship between the chemical composition of surface-modified copper and the diffusion of alloy elements as well as the microstructure and mechanical properties. This article presents the impact of laser alloying with titanium and silver powders on the microstructure and mechanical properties of copper. In order to investigate the phenomena occurring during the laser alloying process, microstructural studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic (EDS) analysis of the chemical composition in micro-areas. In addition, to test the properties of the resulting alloy, abrasion resistance, hardness measurement at low loading force, and conductivity measurements were performed. As a result of alloying with Ag and Ti powders, three distinct zones were indeed recognized: re-melting zone (RZ), diffusion zone (DZ), and heat affected zone (HAZ). The surface modification that results from laser alloying increases the hardness as well as the abrasion resistance of the material. Overall, it was found that laser alloying with Ti powder increased the strength of the copper surface layer due to the formation of intermetallic phases (Cu3Ti2). It was also found that laser alloying with Ag powder changed the mechanical properties of the surface layer due to the solid solution strengthening.
Highlights
It is well-known that copper has good conductivity properties, it lacks significant strength
Modification of a copper surface with silver powders using laser techniques resulted in the Silver heat segregation of three zones, namely, the re-melting zone (RZ), the diffusion zone (DZ), and
We report the various impacts of laser modification of a copper surface with silver and we report the various impacts of laser modification of a copper surface with silver and titanium powder
Summary
It is well-known that copper has good conductivity properties, it lacks significant strength. Other methods require chemical composition modification and concern the strengthening of copper alloys and include dispersion, precipitation, solid solution strengthening, or strengthening through intermetallic phases [1,2,3]. There are various other methods to improve the mechanical properties of copper such as alloying. Research aimed at improving the material structural quality, while maintaining an electrical conductivity above 57 MS/m has been carried out. CuB2 and CuZr30 grain refinements have been used to modify certain materials. The test results showed that the modification of the chemical composition caused grain refinement and maintained the electrical conductivity [4].
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